Don't Beat The Donkey

The Word of God often talks about doors - doors that will be opened and doors that will be closed. Some doors will be in season (now), some doors will be out of season (later), and some doors will always be closed (never). He who is the Door knows which doors to open or close concerning our lives (John 10:7).

Paul had been commissioned by Jesus to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. But in Acts 16:6, "he was forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the Word in Asia." This represented a closed door at the time, with reasons known only to God. Therefore, Paul by-passed this door. He later saw a vision in the night of a man calling for him to come to Macedonia. Paul then had the assurance that this was the open door that God wanted Him to go through. Through this open door to Macedonia, God did an awesome work.

This was not the case with another one of God's servants. There was a Midianite prophet named Balaam, who was known to be used by God (Num. 22:15-35). When the children of Israel were on their way to the promised land, the fear of them gripped other nations that were in their path. Therefore, the king of Moab tried to hire Balaam (the money loving prophet) to curse Israel. This king promised Balaam lots of money if he would do this. As Balaam sought God's mind on the request, God said, "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed" (Num. 22:12). This represented a closed door.

Intent on getting this great sum of money, Balaam kept going to God for clarity. Finally God said, "Go!" But God was not pleased. Therefore, on the way, while riding his donkey, an angel of the Lord with a drawn sword appeared in front of the donkey. Twice the donkey turned away and was beaten by Balaam. The third time the donkey just fell to it's knees, and Balaam smote the donkey again. Then God opened the donkey's mouth and the donkey said to Balaam, "what have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?" In other words, haven't I been faithful to you all of these years, can't you see that something is terribly wrong in this situation.

   Balaam was out of the will of God and trying to force himself through a closed door. He found himself running into all kinds of problems. He was embarrassed before those that were with him, because he couldn't control his donkey. His foot was crushed on the wall. With all of this, even the conversation with the donkey did not shock him out of his quest in trying to receive the promised money. He was determined to get through that door no matter what. God then opened Balaam's eyes and showed him the angel with the drawn sword, and how the donkey had saved his life.

   Opposition at times can be a real challenge to our personal goals in life. This opposition is not always the devil. It also can be God trying to relate to us that the door, at this time is closed.

   If you've done everything you know to do and the door is still closed, maybe you need to stop and take a look and see if there is an angel with a sword somewhere. Maybe it's not God's time or it's not His will for your life. I thank God for not only the open doors, but especially the closed ones. I thank Him for the donkeys in my life that wouldn't budge, and kept me from making a wrong move.

   Beloved, it's so important that we spend daily time in prayer and in the Word of God. We must get God's mind and seek to know His will concerning the many decisions and opportunities that are often presented to us. Forcing one's way through a closed door can prove to be a very costly mistake.

   God has the big picture and a master blueprint for each of our lives. We only hurt ourselves by kicking against His will. We must strive to get into a place with Him whereby we can discern open doors from closed doors.

Always cry out, "Lead me O Lord, lead me! Make Thy way plain. Thy will be done!' Amen